Where to pay your Los Angeles parking ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online through the Department of Transportation website, by mail, in person at a payment center, or by phone. The online option is fastest — you'll need your citation number and the license plate number from the ticket. Payment centers are located throughout the city, and the main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles.

If you pay online or by phone, the city processes payment when ready. By mail, allow at least two weeks for your payment to reach the Department of Transportation and be recorded. In-person payment at a center is processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Department of Transportation website is the fastest method and requires only your citation number and license plate.
  • You can also pay by phone, mail, or at a city payment center, with processing times ranging from same-day to two weeks depending on the method.
  • The fine amount is printed on your ticket, and late fees are added if you don't pay within the important date shown on the citation.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying, though this delays the process.

What the fine costs and when you must pay

The amount you owe is printed on the front of your parking ticket. Los Angeles parking fines range depending on the violation — for example, parking in a red zone costs less than parking in a disabled space without a permit. The ticket shows the exact fine amount for your specific violation.

The important date to pay is also on your ticket. If you miss that date, the city adds a late fee. After a certain period of non-payment, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration or refer the debt to a collection agency. Paying as soon as you receive the ticket avoids these additional costs.

Paying online through the Department of Transportation

Go to the Department of Transportation's online payment portal. You'll enter your citation number (found at the top of your ticket) and your license plate number. The system will pull up your ticket and show the amount due. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Online payment is available 24 hours a day. Once your payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. The city records the payment when ready, so you won't receive collection notices or late fees after that point. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to prove payment later.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call the Department of Transportation at the number listed on your ticket. Have your citation number and a credit or debit card ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone and give you a confirmation number.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket. Include the citation number on the back of your check. Mail it to the address printed on the ticket. The Department of Transportation must receive your payment by the important date date on the citation. If you're mailing close to the important date, consider paying online or by phone instead to avoid late fees if your check arrives after the due date.

Paying in person at a city payment center

Payment centers accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. Bring your ticket with you. The main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, downtown Los Angeles, and is open Monday through Friday during business hours. Several other payment locations exist throughout the city — check the Department of Transportation website for the center nearest you and its hours.

In-person payment is recorded the same day, so you'll have when ready confirmation that your ticket is paid. This is useful if you're close to the important date and want to avoid any risk of a late fee.

What happens if you dispute the ticket instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit or the sign was obscured — you can request a hearing before paying. You must request the hearing within the timeframe shown on your ticket, usually 21 days. During the hearing, you can present evidence that the citation was wrong.

If the hearing officer agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the ticket, you'll be ordered to pay the fine. Requesting a hearing delays payment but does not prevent late fees if you don't pay after the hearing decision. If you lose the hearing, pay when ready to avoid additional charges.

Late fees and what happens if you don't pay

If you don't pay by the important date on your ticket, the city adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of the original fine. After several months of non-payment, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it. Your debt may also be sent to a collection agency.

If your vehicle is towed or booted (a wheel lock placed on the car), you'll owe the parking fine plus towing or booting fees before the vehicle is released. Paying the ticket promptly is far less expensive than dealing with these consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket online if I don't have the citation number?

You need either the citation number or your license plate number to look up the ticket online. If you've lost the physical ticket, use your license plate number on the Department of Transportation website to find the citation and pay it.

What if I paid the ticket but still got a collection notice?

This usually means your payment hasn't been recorded yet. Check your confirmation number from when you paid and contact the Department of Transportation with that number. They can verify the payment and stop collection efforts. Keep your confirmation for your records.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I was parked legally?

If you believe you were parked legally, request a hearing within the timeframe on your ticket. Bring evidence such as photos of the parking sign, a valid permit, or a receipt showing you paid for parking. The hearing officer will review your case before you pay anything.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right now?

Contact the Department of Transportation directly to ask about payment plan options. Some cities offer them, though availability varies. Explain your situation and ask what arrangements may be possible. Acting before the important date is better than waiting, as late fees will increase what you owe.

What if my ticket was for parking in a disabled space without a permit?

Disabled space violations carry higher fines than standard parking violations. The exact amount is shown on your ticket. You can still pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person using the same methods. If you have a valid disabled permit, you can request a hearing to dispute the ticket.